Maintenance of Certification (MOC) and Continuous Certification (CC)

Continuous certification, also known as MOC, is the process by which a physician maintains board certification in their ABMS specialty. It is an ongoing process that begins after initial board certification and has different requirements based on specialty. There are important differences between continuous certification (MOC) and CME. CME is required for physician licensure while continuous certification (MOC) is required for board certification. Each board requires “lifelong learning” which they define as CME, however, the type and frequency varies among the boards. Some, but not all, CME activities enable physicians to earn both CME credit and MOC points.

When the FSM office of CME accredits an activity for both CME and MOC, the credit statement will include the number of CME credits, the number of MOC points, and the specific board to which the MOC points can be applied. 

Not all activities are accredited for MOC or Continuous Credit

The Feinberg Office of CME only submits MOC points and Continuous Credits to the boards with a collaboration with the ACCME.  

The example below demonstrates that learners can claim up to:

• 6.25 CME credits
• ABIM diplomates can claim up to 6.25 MOC for self-assessment points. Points will be transferred to their ABIM profiles. ABIM MOC points will be submitted to the board within 3 months of the conclusion of the activity.
• ABS diplomates can claim up to up to 6.25 CME credits.  Credits will be transferred to their ABS profiles. ABS CME credits will be submitted to the board within 3 months of the conclusion of the activity.

Credits: AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (6.25 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (6.25 hours), ABS CC (6.25 hours), ABIM (6.25 hours)

Accreditation Statement
The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement
The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Board of Internal Medicine
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation
component, enables the participant to earn up to 6.25 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

American Board of Surgery Accredited CME
Successful completion of this CME activity enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.